Rep. Steve Rothman Wants To See 2016 Democratic Convention In New Jersey

DENVER - AUGUST 28: on day four of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at Invesco Field at Mile High August 28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) is the first African-American to be officially nominated as a candidate for U.S. president by a major party. (Photo by Max Whittaker/Getty Images)Then-Senator Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in 2008. (credit: Max Whittaker/Getty Images)

WOODLAND PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A New Jersey congressman is trying to rally support for New Jersey to host the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman inserted a speech into the Congressional Record last month noting the Prudential Center in Newark, the Izod Center in East Rutherford and the New Meadowlands Stadium are suitable venues.

Rothman said that hotels, restaurants and proximity to New York City should be enough to lure Democrats to the Garden State.

“I’m sick and tired of Jersey jokes, I’m sick and tired of people trying to give us a humiliating kick in the crotch. The truth of the matter is we are New Jersey,” Newark Mayor Cory Booker told reporters, including 1010 WINS’ Steve Sandberg.

Rothman said the region has a mass transit system and has hosted “large-scale events,” including the Eastern regional finals of this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. Rothman also noted the Super Bowl will take place at New Meadowlands Stadium in 2014.

New Jersey last hosted a political convention in 1964 when Democrats nominated President Lyndon Johnson in Atlantic City.

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